Between injuries and off-the-field issues, Bong's 2005 season went up in smoke. The road to return from shoulder injuries is long, and Bong doesn't have the luxury of much time.

2005

The Cardinals were shutout three times last year - ironically, the Reds did it twice, once with Bong getting the win on June 20. It was all downhill after that for Bong, who was sent down the next day, got bombed at Triple-A Louisville, and then finished the season with a shoulder injury. The shoulder likely contributed to the poor post-demotion performance and also has us worried about his 2005 status.

2004

Bong's first season in the majors started strong, with a 3.83 ERA and 41 strikeouts and 22 walks in 47 innings before the All-Star break. But he struggled in the second half with a 10.83 ERA in 10 innings. He'll try to keep his spot in the bullpen and show he is over his loss of control in the second half. The lefty has a solid fastball (low-90s) and deceptive curve ball, so he could find a way to move into the back end of the rotation if he improves his control.

2003

Bong has an outside shot to make the Atlanta roster this spring. He had a solid year at AA and could be a decent reserve pick since he could be in the majors later in the year.